The Great Ocean Road will host this year’s TAC Great Vic Bike Ride, with a Geelong woman participating in the five-day cycling event.
Christine Redpath will participate in the 300-kilometre ride along Great Ocean Road’s coastlines, cliffs and winding country roads from Monday 24 November to Friday 28 November.
Ms Redpath said she was looking forward to the event as the ride took her across parts of the country she wouldn’t normally see.
“A fantastic thing about the ride is learning about communicating with each other, staying safe and being aware of cars on the road, along with what you should do,” she said.
“It’s not just a race, as everyone wants to get to the end and wants everyone else to get to the end, so if you have a problem, there are people there asking if you are okay and willing to help.”
Ms Redpath said she especially knew the importance of road and cyclist safety following an accident she had while cycling on the road close to 13 years ago.
“It doesn’t matter what clothing you wear or what lights you have on your bike, it’s very easy for a car not to notice you,” she said.
“I was riding down Pakington Street to meet some people, and I don’t remember the accident, but I have spoken to a policeman who was at the accident scene.
“So, I was coming down a hill when a car turned left in front of me, but it didn’t hit me, as my injuries came from falling on the road, which included a fractured skull, a brain bleed and fractured ribs.
“I’m very conscientious now not to ride when it’s too wet, slippery, busy or windy, and so I’ve been very good about doing that if I’m riding on my own.”
